Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday boasted that US President Donald Trump's tough line had forced the North Korean leader to beg to re-schedule a high-profile summit after the president abruptly called off the meeting.

After the cancellation, "Kim Jong Un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in," Giuliani told a business conference in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

In an interview later with The Associated Press, Giuliani rejected suggestions that such comments might sour the atmosphere ahead of next week's summit in Singapore, saying that the North Korean leader must understand that the United States is in a position of strength.

"It is pointing out that the president is the stronger figure," Giuliani told the AP. "And you're not going to have useful negotiations unless he accepts that."

Giuliani said Trump had no choice but to call off the meeting after the North Koreans insulted Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Adviser John Bolton and threatened "nuclear annihilation" of the U.S.

"President Trump didn't take that. What he did was he called off the summit," he said.

Giuliani said Kim quickly changed his position, expressed willingness to discuss denuclearization and asked to have the meeting again.

"That's what I mean by begging for it," Giuliani said.

The summit is back on in Singapore next Tuesday.

Giuliani, Trump's lawyer in the Russian investigation, noted that he was sharing a personal opinion and was not part of the U.S. foreign policy team.

The former New York mayor is in Israel for a number of appearances, including a speech to a Tel Aviv business conference earlier in the day and an address late on Wednesday to OneFamily, a group that supports Israeli families whose loved ones have been wounded or killed in Palestinian attacks.

Giuliani is leading the defence of Trump in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the 2016 presidential election, and whether Trump took steps to shut down that investigation through actions, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Trump's team and allies have waged a public relations campaign against Mueller and the Justice Department to discredit the investigation and soften the impact of the special counsel's potential findings. In the latest salvo, Giuliani accused Mueller of trying to "frame" the president.

Giuliani claimed that Mueller has produced no evidence of wrongdoing by the president, and has stacked his team with partisan Democrats, including supporters of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Though Trump insists he did nothing wrong, the statements from him and his lawyers have made clear that much of their defence revolves around establishing that he was constitutionally empowered to take the actions he took.

Giuliani rejected criticism that the defence team is attacking the justice system or public institutions.

"We're trying to purify institutions," he added, accusing the media of trying to convict Trump and saying the prosecutors are "not saints" immune from attack.

Nonetheless, Giuliani said he remains in touch with Mueller, and that there have been discussions about allowing investigators to question the president. But he said his client needs assurances he won't be railroaded.

He said so far, Mueller has not produced evidence indicating wrongdoing by the president

“What I’m saying is that (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un had someone say terrible things about (US) Vice President (Mike) Pence. Terrible things about (National Security Advisor) John Bolton. And then had someone threaten nuclear annihilation of the United States. (US) President (Donald) Trump didn’t take that. What he did was he called off the summit and he was widely criticised for it. And Kim Jong Un changed his position. He said he was going to do denuclearisation. Again, we don’t have the conditions yet but at least that's a big shift and asked to have the meeting again. And that’s what I mean by 'begging for it'.”

"It is pointing out that the president is the stronger figure and you're not going to have useful negotiations unless he accepts that. And my words don't matter - I'm not involved in the negotiations. But my comments as a citizen are very important."

"In order to try to develop evidence against him, they have brought a number of very questionable cases. The prosecution of Mr. (Paul) Manafort for things in 2005 that had nothing to do with President Trump. I can't imagine why...whether Mr. Manafort did something wrong or not - I cant judge. But I can say it has nothing to do with President Trump. And then these Russians that were indicted, who are never going to come to the United States, who play dirty tricks like dressing up as clowns. If that is Russian collusion, I don't know maybe it is. But, the real question is there's not a single link to anybody in America. So what's that about if it isn't trying to formulate a case on the president when there is no evidence for it. A judge recently said that this investigation is more like investigating a man than a crime. Because, they don't have a crime. And that's why I say 'they're trying to frame him.' Because, if they had any sense they would realise they're trying to put together a case on an innocent man and that's what we call in America 'framing somebody'."

"We're trying to purify institutions. You're just part of that whole...media that wants to turn around and convict President Trump when he's done nothing wrong. And nobody wants to recognise that that's what these people are engaged in. Well it's my job to defend a client and if I have to take on an Attorney General or an independent council, by God, I'll take them on. I'm not the first lawyer to do that. When someone is unfairly prosecuting you, you have got to point that out loudly and clearly - this is an unfair investigation. It has no basis in fact. President Trump did not talk to, meet with, or have anything to do with Russians at any time during the 2016 election. That is a totally phoney charge. And over a year-and-a-half and 20 million dollars later they don't have a single piece of proof that he did. Now, if you aren't framing him, then stop the investigation, put out your report and let the chips fall where they may."

"If they can show us some hard incriminating facts from that evidence, then we would consider advising our client to be interviewed. But, if we don't see it, then we have to conclude that we're not dealing with a fair-minded group of people."

"Not only did (Robert) Mueller bring in heavy Democratic partisans to conduct the investigation of a Republican, he's also using the FBI agents who conducted the totally unfair, totally biased, in the other direction, investigation of Hillary Clinton. They should have used new agents, not agents that have conducted probably one of the most flawed investigations in American history."

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than an hour Friday about extending an existing nuclear arms agreement and potentially starting a new one to include China.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the two leaders also discussed "very, very briefly" the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller as well as the conflict in Venezuela.

She also repeated the administration's line that "all options continue to be on the table" regarding Venezuela, where Russia is helping to prop up the embattled government of Nicolas Maduro.

Washington - 3 May 2019

1. Mid Sarah Sanders walks toward reporters on White House driveway

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"I'm going to actually start first with a quick little update here. Earlier this morning the president spoke with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin. They had a very good discussion. Spoke for a little over an hour. They discussed nuclear agreements, both new and extended, with the possibility of having conversations with China on that front as well. They discussed trade and the fact that it has increased between the two countries since the president has come into office. They also talked about North Korea. They also spoke about Ukraine and Venezuela and overall very positive conversation. And we'll have a more detailed readout coming shortly but wanted to give you guys that update while I was out here. Steve?

Reporter: What are the details, in this new nuclear agreement. Is it a new nuclear agreement with China, Russia, United States?

There was a discussion about having ... extending the current nuclear agreement as well as discussions about potentially starting a new one that could include China as well."

3. Back view of Sanders speaking

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: Did the president discuss at all the findings of the Muller report and Russian interference as it was determined by that investigation? And did he also discuss some of the land-based offenses in Europe?

Very, very briefly was discussed essentially in the context of that it's over and there was no collusion, which I'm pretty sure both leaders were very well aware of long before this call took place. Something we've said for the better part of two and a half years and now they moved on to talk about those topics that I discussed with Russia.

Reporter: Did Putin relay any message to the president from Kim Jong Un after Putin and Kim met during their summit?

They spoke about North Korea for a good bit of time on the call and reiterated both the commitment and the need for denuclearization. And the president said several times on this front as well the need and importance of Russia stepping up and continuing to help and put pressure on North Korea to denuclearize. And that was again the focus of the president's comment on that front."

5. Close-up Sanders

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: There was a meeting at the Pentagon this morning with the president's top level national security officials about Venezuela, currently looking at military options. Has the ball on that in the past couple of days?

As we've said all, all along, all options continue to be on the table. We're looking at a number of different fronts. I don't have any new announcements or a change in direction. We continue to stand with the people of Venezuela and the president is continuing to push for aid to be delivered to those people. Beyond that, I don't have any updates but all options continue to be on the table. And the president the president's going to do what is required, if necessary."

7. Cutaway reporter

8. Wide

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: Russia's being very supportive of the Maduro regime. Did the president make any progress on getting him to step off that support or help with the transition?

Again the president reiterated the need for a peaceful transition. And his focus throughout the conversation was on the need to help the people and make sure that that aid was actually getting to them and being delivered. Take one last question.

Reporter: Has White House formally instructed Don McGann not to comply with the congressional requests?

I'm not aware of a formal conversation on that front. Thanks guys.

Reporter: Who initiated this call and is it any closer to these ... President Trump and Putin meeting for a summit down the line? And then, secondarily what was the response from Putin when the president talked about the need to engage in a peaceful transition?

I'm not aware of any planned meeting upcoming for the two presidents, but I do know that Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo is expected to meet, I believe with his counterparts next week. And those conversations after that we'll see what happens from there.

Reporter:You said that they talked about the Mueller report being over but the Mueller report also outlines in extensive detailed attempts by Putin and Russia to interfere in the election. Did not come up at all?

Again the conversation on that part was very quick. But what I can tell you is that this administration, unlike the previous one, takes election meddling seriously and we're going to do everything that we can to prevent it from happening. That's why we've taken a whole of government approach. We have had contact with all 50 states and are looking at ways to actually prevent it from taking place instead of like they did in 2016, just letting it happen. No about it and doing nothing and then trying to blame it on the incoming administration. We're not going to let that happen. And so we're going to actually be serious and take our jobs seriously. Thanks guys"

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than an hour Friday about extending an existing nuclear arms agreement and potentially starting a new one to include China.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the two leaders also discussed "very, very briefly" the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller as well as the conflict in Venezuela.

She also repeated the administration's line that "all options continue to be on the table" regarding Venezuela, where Russia is helping to prop up the embattled government of Nicolas Maduro.

Washington - 3 May 2019

1. Mid Sarah Sanders walks toward reporters on White House driveway

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"I'm going to actually start first with a quick little update here. Earlier this morning the president spoke with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin. They had a very good discussion. Spoke for a little over an hour. They discussed nuclear agreements, both new and extended, with the possibility of having conversations with China on that front as well. They discussed trade and the fact that it has increased between the two countries since the president has come into office. They also talked about North Korea. They also spoke about Ukraine and Venezuela and overall very positive conversation. And we'll have a more detailed readout coming shortly but wanted to give you guys that update while I was out here. Steve?

Reporter: What are the details, in this new nuclear agreement. Is it a new nuclear agreement with China, Russia, United States?

There was a discussion about having ... extending the current nuclear agreement as well as discussions about potentially starting a new one that could include China as well."

3. Back view of Sanders speaking

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: Did the president discuss at all the findings of the Muller report and Russian interference as it was determined by that investigation? And did he also discuss some of the land-based offenses in Europe?

Very, very briefly was discussed essentially in the context of that it's over and there was no collusion, which I'm pretty sure both leaders were very well aware of long before this call took place. Something we've said for the better part of two and a half years and now they moved on to talk about those topics that I discussed with Russia.

Reporter: Did Putin relay any message to the president from Kim Jong Un after Putin and Kim met during their summit?

They spoke about North Korea for a good bit of time on the call and reiterated both the commitment and the need for denuclearization. And the president said several times on this front as well the need and importance of Russia stepping up and continuing to help and put pressure on North Korea to denuclearize. And that was again the focus of the president's comment on that front."

5. Close-up Sanders

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: There was a meeting at the Pentagon this morning with the president's top level national security officials about Venezuela, currently looking at military options. Has the ball on that in the past couple of days?

As we've said all, all along, all options continue to be on the table. We're looking at a number of different fronts. I don't have any new announcements or a change in direction. We continue to stand with the people of Venezuela and the president is continuing to push for aid to be delivered to those people. Beyond that, I don't have any updates but all options continue to be on the table. And the president the president's going to do what is required, if necessary."

7. Cutaway reporter

8. Wide

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary:

"Reporter: Russia's being very supportive of the Maduro regime. Did the president make any progress on getting him to step off that support or help with the transition?

Again the president reiterated the need for a peaceful transition. And his focus throughout the conversation was on the need to help the people and make sure that that aid was actually getting to them and being delivered. Take one last question.

Reporter: Has White House formally instructed Don McGann not to comply with the congressional requests?

I'm not aware of a formal conversation on that front. Thanks guys.

Reporter: Who initiated this call and is it any closer to these ... President Trump and Putin meeting for a summit down the line? And then, secondarily what was the response from Putin when the president talked about the need to engage in a peaceful transition?

I'm not aware of any planned meeting upcoming for the two presidents, but I do know that Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo is expected to meet, I believe with his counterparts next week. And those conversations after that we'll see what happens from there.

Reporter:You said that they talked about the Mueller report being over but the Mueller report also outlines in extensive detailed attempts by Putin and Russia to interfere in the election. Did not come up at all?

Again the conversation on that part was very quick. But what I can tell you is that this administration, unlike the previous one, takes election meddling seriously and we're going to do everything that we can to prevent it from happening. That's why we've taken a whole of government approach. We have had contact with all 50 states and are looking at ways to actually prevent it from taking place instead of like they did in 2016, just letting it happen. No about it and doing nothing and then trying to blame it on the incoming administration. We're not going to let that happen. And so we're going to actually be serious and take our jobs seriously. Thanks guys"

President Donald Trump said Friday he is "not reversing course" in Syria with the decision to authorize about 200 U.S. troops to remain there.

In December, Trump announced he was pulling all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, but European allies insisted on some U.S. forces remaining on the ground.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with the Chinese trade delegation, Trump reiterated his claim that 100 percent of the Islamic State group's caliphate has been defeated and said his administration has "did more in the last three or four weeks than people have done in years."

He said the two-thousand-plus troops that have been stationed in Syria will now go to "different parts of the world," including Iraq.

Asked if he has spoken to Attorney General Robert Barr about Robert Mueller's special counsel report that many believe will be released soon, Trump said he has not, adding that the entire investigation is "one of the greatest hoaxes ever perpetrated on" the U.S.

Trump also pledged a veto if Congress passes a resolution blocking his use of a national emergency declaration to fund a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump told reporters he would "100 percent" veto the resolution introduced by House Democrats earlier in the day.

The Democratic-controlled House is sure to pass the measure, and the GOP-run Senate may adopt it as well despite Trump's opposition.

Any Trump veto would likely be sustained, but the upcoming battle will test Republican support for Trump's move.

Asked about Amazon's recent decision to drop its plans for a new headquarters in New York, the president called it "a big loss" for the city.

He also blamed what he's calling "radical left" thinking, which he says isn't good for jobs or the economy.

Amazon abruptly dropped plans last week to build one of its new headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, which could have delivered 25,000 jobs.

On his summit next week with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam, Trump said he expects a successful meeting, saying the U.S. and Pyongyang have "such a great relationship."

Trump said if he were note elected president, "you would have been in a war with North Korea. We now have a situation where the relationships are good."

Washington, DC - 22 February 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter question: What about the charges against (New England Patriots owner) Bob Kraft? He's a friend of yours.

Trump: Well it's very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He's proclaimed his innocence, totally, but I'm very surprised to see it.

Reporter question: Have you spoken to (Attorney General) Bill Barr about the release of the Mueller report? Have you spoken to him about that?

Trump: No. I have not.

Reporter: Do you expect to?

Trump: At some point, I guess I'll be talking about it. But you know the nice part? There was no collusion. There was no obstruction. There was no anything. So that's the nice part. There was no phone calls, no nothing. We have a, I won the race. You want to know why I won the race because I was a better candidate than she was and it had nothing to do with Russia. And everybody knows it's a hoax. It's one of the greatest hoaxes ever perpetrated on this country. So I look forward to seeing the report. If it's an honest report it will say that. If it's not an honest report it won't."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter question: Mr. President, on troops in Syria, why are you reversing course?

Trump: I'm not reversing course. I have done something that nobody else has been able to do. In another short period of time like hours, you'll be hearing, hours and days, you'll be hearing about the caliphate. It's 100 percent defeated. Nobody's been able to say that that. That doesn't mean there aren't some very bad people walking around and strapping on bombs and all of these things. But we've done a job that nobody else has been able to do. I heard Lindsey Graham this morning congratulating me on having defeated the, you know the caliphate. And frankly, I'm getting a lot of congratulations. At the same time, we can leave a small force along with others in the force, whether it's NATO troops or whoever it might be so that it doesn't start up again and I'm okay. It's a very small tiny fraction of the people we have. And a lot of people like that idea and I'm open to ideas. But the 2,500 people that we've had there will be going to different parts of the world. They may be going over to Iraq where we have a very powerful base, a base that cost billions of dollars to build frankly and that we'll be using. But we have had tremendous success in defeating the caliphate and now everybody's admitting I did more in the last three or four weeks than people have done in years and it's been very successful. But we want to make sure it stays that way."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: Will you veto that resolution that was introduced today that would block the national emergency if it passes?"

Trump: On the wall? Will I veto it? 100 percent. 100 percent. And I don't think it survives a veto. We have too many smart people that want border security so I can't imagine it could survive a veto. But I will veto it. Yes."

4. Cutaway of Chinese delegation and Cabinet officials

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: We haven't gotten your response yet to Amazon pulling out of New York City, your home city, your home state...

Trump: I think it's a tremendous loss to New York City. I think it's a big loss. I think it's, if you look at the deal, the deal was not a great deal from the standpoint of they could have made a better deal than that, a much better deal. But still, I think it's a loss for New York City. And the three billion dollars wasn't a check, it was a form of taxes over a period of time that now they'll never see because you know, they were going to take in a lot of jobs, they were going to take in a lot of taxes. So I think it's a big loss for New York City. It's the kind of thinking that our country is going to on the left, on the radical left, but ultimately it's not good for jobs and it's not good for the economy but it was a big loss for New York City. I come from New York City, I love New York City. I think it was a big loss for New York City."

6. Wide shot of Trump listening to reporter question

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: On North Korea, your own administration officials say that Kim Jong Un has not actually decided yet whether he wants to denuclearize. So how can you meet with him if he doesn't even want to...

Trump: "We have had such a great relationship and China has helped us a lot with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un since I got to office. If I were not elected president, you would have been in a war with North Korea. We now have a situation where the relationships are good, where there's been no nuclear testing, no missiles, no rockets. We got our hostages back. We have many of the remains back and coming back rapidly, the remains of our great warriors from many, many years ago and the families are so thrilled and so happy. We've had a great relationship. The Singapore was a tremendous success. Only the fake news likes to portray it otherwise. We would have gone, we would have been, we would have literally been in a war with North Korea in my opinion had I not been elected."

President Donald Trump said Friday he is "not reversing course" in Syria with the decision to authorize about 200 U.S. troops to remain there.

In December, Trump announced he was pulling all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, but European allies insisted on some U.S. forces remaining on the ground.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with the Chinese trade delegation, Trump reiterated his claim that 100 percent of the Islamic State group's caliphate has been defeated and said his administration has "did more in the last three or four weeks than people have done in years."

He said the two-thousand-plus troops that have been stationed in Syria will now go to "different parts of the world," including Iraq.

Asked if he has spoken to Attorney General Robert Barr about Robert Mueller's special counsel report that many believe will be released soon, Trump said he has not, adding that the entire investigation is "one of the greatest hoaxes ever perpetrated on" the U.S.

Trump also pledged a veto if Congress passes a resolution blocking his use of a national emergency declaration to fund a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump told reporters he would "100 percent" veto the resolution introduced by House Democrats earlier in the day.

The Democratic-controlled House is sure to pass the measure, and the GOP-run Senate may adopt it as well despite Trump's opposition.

Any Trump veto would likely be sustained, but the upcoming battle will test Republican support for Trump's move.

Asked about Amazon's recent decision to drop its plans for a new headquarters in New York, the president called it "a big loss" for the city.

He also blamed what he's calling "radical left" thinking, which he says isn't good for jobs or the economy.

Amazon abruptly dropped plans last week to build one of its new headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, which could have delivered 25,000 jobs.

On his summit next week with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam, Trump said he expects a successful meeting, saying the U.S. and Pyongyang have "such a great relationship."

Trump said if he were note elected president, "you would have been in a war with North Korea. We now have a situation where the relationships are good."

Washington, DC - 22 February 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter question: What about the charges against (New England Patriots owner) Bob Kraft? He's a friend of yours.

Trump: Well it's very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He's proclaimed his innocence, totally, but I'm very surprised to see it.

Reporter question: Have you spoken to (Attorney General) Bill Barr about the release of the Mueller report? Have you spoken to him about that?

Trump: No. I have not.

Reporter: Do you expect to?

Trump: At some point, I guess I'll be talking about it. But you know the nice part? There was no collusion. There was no obstruction. There was no anything. So that's the nice part. There was no phone calls, no nothing. We have a, I won the race. You want to know why I won the race because I was a better candidate than she was and it had nothing to do with Russia. And everybody knows it's a hoax. It's one of the greatest hoaxes ever perpetrated on this country. So I look forward to seeing the report. If it's an honest report it will say that. If it's not an honest report it won't."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter question: Mr. President, on troops in Syria, why are you reversing course?

Trump: I'm not reversing course. I have done something that nobody else has been able to do. In another short period of time like hours, you'll be hearing, hours and days, you'll be hearing about the caliphate. It's 100 percent defeated. Nobody's been able to say that that. That doesn't mean there aren't some very bad people walking around and strapping on bombs and all of these things. But we've done a job that nobody else has been able to do. I heard Lindsey Graham this morning congratulating me on having defeated the, you know the caliphate. And frankly, I'm getting a lot of congratulations. At the same time, we can leave a small force along with others in the force, whether it's NATO troops or whoever it might be so that it doesn't start up again and I'm okay. It's a very small tiny fraction of the people we have. And a lot of people like that idea and I'm open to ideas. But the 2,500 people that we've had there will be going to different parts of the world. They may be going over to Iraq where we have a very powerful base, a base that cost billions of dollars to build frankly and that we'll be using. But we have had tremendous success in defeating the caliphate and now everybody's admitting I did more in the last three or four weeks than people have done in years and it's been very successful. But we want to make sure it stays that way."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: Will you veto that resolution that was introduced today that would block the national emergency if it passes?"

Trump: On the wall? Will I veto it? 100 percent. 100 percent. And I don't think it survives a veto. We have too many smart people that want border security so I can't imagine it could survive a veto. But I will veto it. Yes."

4. Cutaway of Chinese delegation and Cabinet officials

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: We haven't gotten your response yet to Amazon pulling out of New York City, your home city, your home state...

Trump: I think it's a tremendous loss to New York City. I think it's a big loss. I think it's, if you look at the deal, the deal was not a great deal from the standpoint of they could have made a better deal than that, a much better deal. But still, I think it's a loss for New York City. And the three billion dollars wasn't a check, it was a form of taxes over a period of time that now they'll never see because you know, they were going to take in a lot of jobs, they were going to take in a lot of taxes. So I think it's a big loss for New York City. It's the kind of thinking that our country is going to on the left, on the radical left, but ultimately it's not good for jobs and it's not good for the economy but it was a big loss for New York City. I come from New York City, I love New York City. I think it was a big loss for New York City."

6. Wide shot of Trump listening to reporter question

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Reporter: On North Korea, your own administration officials say that Kim Jong Un has not actually decided yet whether he wants to denuclearize. So how can you meet with him if he doesn't even want to...

Trump: "We have had such a great relationship and China has helped us a lot with North Korea and with Kim Jong Un since I got to office. If I were not elected president, you would have been in a war with North Korea. We now have a situation where the relationships are good, where there's been no nuclear testing, no missiles, no rockets. We got our hostages back. We have many of the remains back and coming back rapidly, the remains of our great warriors from many, many years ago and the families are so thrilled and so happy. We've had a great relationship. The Singapore was a tremendous success. Only the fake news likes to portray it otherwise. We would have gone, we would have been, we would have literally been in a war with North Korea in my opinion had I not been elected."

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the timing of the release of the Mueller report will be "totally up to the new attorney general," Robert Barr, who he called a "tremendous person."

Trump made the comments during an Oval Office meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

He was asked by reporters whether the special counsel report should be released while he is overseas in Vietnam next week for his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump said he believes the trip "will be very successful" and "will accomplish a lot."

The president said his relationship with Kim is "very strong" and he doesn't imagine that the summit next week will be their last meeting.

Trump said the North Koreans aren't "reluctant" to denuclearize, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised to see something work out."

The president was also asked about the recent comments by former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe.

Trump said McCabe "has made a fool of himself over the last couple of days," adding, "he's a disaster."

Washington, DC - 20 February 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"(Reporter question: Should the Mueller report be released when you're abroad?)

That'll be totally up to the new attorney general. He's a tremendous man, a tremendous person who really respects this country and respects the Justice Department so that'll be totally up to him, the new attorney, the new attorney general. Yes. I guess from what I understand that will be totally up to the attorney general. OK?

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"(Reporter question: Are you considering replacing Dan Coats as your director of national intelligence?)

I haven't even thought about it.

++WHITE FLASH BETWEEN SOUNDBITES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

(Reporter question: Do you have a comment on Andrew McCabe briefing McConnell, Paul Ryan and Devin Nunes, telling them about the investigation into you?)

Well I think Andrew McCabe has made a fool out of himself over the last couple of days and he really looks to me like sort of a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover. He's a, I think he's a disaster. And what he was trying to do was terrible and he was caught. I'm very proud to say we caught him. So we'll see what happens. But he is a disgraced man. He was terminated not by me, he was terminated by others. The IG (Inspector General) report was a disaster, a disaster from his standpoint. Anybody reading the IG report would say how could a man like this be involved with the FBI? And the FBI has some of the greatest people, some of the finest people you'll ever meet. But this man is a complete disaster. Thank you all very much."

4. Pull out to wide shot of Trump and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the timing of the release of the Mueller report will be "totally up to the new attorney general," Robert Barr, who he called a "tremendous person."

Trump made the comments during an Oval Office meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

He was asked by reporters whether the special counsel report should be released while he is overseas in Vietnam next week for his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump said he believes the trip "will be very successful" and "will accomplish a lot."

The president said his relationship with Kim is "very strong" and he doesn't imagine that the summit next week will be their last meeting.

Trump said the North Koreans aren't "reluctant" to denuclearize, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised to see something work out."

The president was also asked about the recent comments by former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe.

Trump said McCabe "has made a fool of himself over the last couple of days," adding, "he's a disaster."

Washington, DC - 20 February 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"(Reporter question: Should the Mueller report be released when you're abroad?)

That'll be totally up to the new attorney general. He's a tremendous man, a tremendous person who really respects this country and respects the Justice Department so that'll be totally up to him, the new attorney, the new attorney general. Yes. I guess from what I understand that will be totally up to the attorney general. OK?"

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"(Reporter question: Are you considering replacing Dan Coats as your director of national intelligence?)

I haven't even thought about it.

(Reporter question: Mr. President, you spoke with the Prime Minister of Japan today. How hard is it going to be to get North Korea to verifiably denuclearize?)

Well I spoke with, this morning, with Prime Minister Abe. I had a long conversation with him. We talked about the trip next week to Vietnam which would be I think very successful. I think the first trip to Singapore was extremely successful. We'll be meeting with Chairman Kim for two days and I think we'll accomplish a lot. We started off with a very good meeting and I think we'll continue that along. I don't think this will be the last meeting by any chance but I do think that the relationship is very strong. When we started, as you know, there were a lot of problems. There were missiles going all over, there were hostages that were being held, there were remains that we wanted to get back, there were many, many things. Now there's no nuclear testing, no missiles going up and we have a good relationship, very good relationship, I'd say, so, I spoke with Prime Minister Abe of Japan about that and we compared notes and I think we are very much on the same wavelength. It was a good meeting, good good conversation.

(Reporter question: They seem very reluctant, the North Koreans, to denuclearize.)

No I don't think they're reluctant. I think they want to do something. But I know you've been talking about this for 80 years. They've been talking about this for many, many years and no administration has done anything. They've gotten taken to the cleaners and I think we have a really meaningful relationship. We'll see what happens. The sanctions are on in full, as you know, I haven't taken sanctions off. I'd love to be able to but in order to do that, we have to do something that's meaningful on the other side. But Chairman Kim and I have a very good relationship. I wouldn't be surprised to see something work out. I really believe that as an economic power because of its location in between, I mean if you look on a map and you see Russia, China and right in the middle of everything is South Korea, but North Korea is right smack in the middle. So you have Russia, China and then South Korea. And this is right in the middle. Tremendous potential for economic well-being long term. And I think he understands that very well, I think he might understand that better than anybody. So they have a great, great potential as a country and I think that's what they're looking to do. We'll see. But we've made a lot of progress. We've made a tremendous amount. That doesn't mean this is going to be the last meeting because I don't believe it will. But we have subjects to discuss which will be very fruitful, I believe.

(Reporter question: Do you have a comment on Andrew McCabe briefing McConnell, Paul Ryan and Devin Nunes, telling them about the investigation into you?)

Well I think Andrew McCabe has made a fool out of himself over the last couple of days and he really looks to me like sort of a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover. He's a, I think he's a disaster. And what he was trying to do was terrible and he was caught. I'm very proud to say we caught him. So we'll see what happens. But he is a disgraced man. He was terminated not by me, he was terminated by others. The IG (Inspector General) report was a disaster, a disaster from his standpoint. Anybody reading the IG report would say how could a man like this be involved with the FBI? And the FBI has some of the greatest people, some of the finest people you'll ever meet. But this man is a complete disaster. Thank you all very much."

3. Pull out to wide shot of Trump and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

US President Donald Trump hosted Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis at the White House on Thursday.

The president and first lady Melania Trump welcomed the prime minister and his wife, Monika Babisova, with smiles and handshakes.

The two leaders have much in common. Babis, like Trump, is a wealthy businessman who rode into office on a nationalist-style campaign.

While Trump is dogged by special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, Babis is facing charges of misusing European Union subsidies for a farm he transferred to relatives, including his son.

Trump wants to strengthen the US border with Mexico, while Babis is a vocal opponent of accepting migrants and refugees in his country.

Speaking to reporters at the beginning of their Oval Office meeting, Babis said the two leaders had another area in common: they both like the same campaign slogan.

Babis told the president he watched Trump's last State of the Union address and similarly wants to "Make the Czech Republic great again".

The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, cybersecurity, immigration and security issues.

As the photo opportunity came to an end, Trump was asked about reports of new activity detected at a research centre where North Korea is believed to build long-range missiles.

Trump said he was "a little disappointed".

A South Korean defence spokeswoman says the US and South Korea are sharing intelligence about the activity at a missile research center on the outskirts of Pyongyang and at a separate long-range rocket site.

Trump also seemed to indicate that US negotiations with the North Koreans could be long term.

Without elaborating, Trump said: "We'll let you know in about a year."

Washington, DC - 7 March 2019

1. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk out of White House to greet Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis

2. Babis and his wife get out of car and walk up to the Trumps to shake hands

3. Leaders and first ladies walk into White House

4. Trump and Babis walk along the White House colonnade and stop to pose for photos, they're joined by the first ladies

5. Leaders and spouses walk into the Oval

6. Wide of Trump and Babis in the Oval

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Well thank you very much. It's a great honour to have the prime minister of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Babis and Mrs. Babis. Thank you very much for being here. It's a great honour, great country. It's a, Czech Republic doing very, very well economically and all other respects. Very safe country, has always been a very safe country, strong military, strong people and we have a very good relationship with the Czech Republic and the United States. We do a lot of trade and a lot of just about everything you can imagine, but I just want to say Mr. Prime Minister, it's a great honour to have you. Thank you very much."

"So Mr. President, Mrs. Trump, thank you very much for your warm welcome to the White House. It's a great pleasure for me and my wife to be here. Our countries have been allies since the United States helped establish our first Republic 100 years ago."

"Mr. President, I watched your 2019 the State of the Union address and I perfectly understand your plan, how to make America great again. I have a similar plan to make the Czech Republic great again. So I look forward for a discussion about international trade and safety and threats like cyber attacks and illegal immigration and of course international terrorists. So thank you again for receiving us here."

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Thank you very much. It really is an honour and it's a great country and it is a very creative country. We're working on cyber and many other things together and working very well, so I just want to thank you both for being with us and on behalf of the first lady, and you did a great job this morning, I understand at the State Department. Melania was very well received this morning by a lot of people so thank you very much. Thank you everybody, thank you very much."

12. UPSOUND: Side shot of Trump listnening to reporter question:

"You're disappointed in Kim Jong Un about the nuclear activity in North Korea?"

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"A little disappointed. We'll see. We'll let you know in about a year."

President Donald Trump is hosting Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis at the White House Thursday.

The president and first lady Melania Trump welcomed the prime minister and his wife, Monika Babisova with smiles and handshakes.

The two leaders have much in common. Babis, like Trump, is a wealthy businessman who rode into office on a nationalist-style campaign.

While Trump is dogged by special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, Babis is facing charges of misusing European Union subsidies for a farm he transferred to relatives, including his son.

Trump wants to strengthen the U.S. border with Mexico. Babis is a vocal opponent of accepting migrants and refugees in his country.

Speaking to reporters at the beginning of their Oval Office meeting, Babis said the two leaders have another area in common, as well: They both like the same campaign slogan.

Babis told the president he watched Trump's last State of the Union address and similarly wants to "Make the Czech Republic great again."

The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, cybersecurity, immigration and security issues.

As the photo opportunity was wrapping up, Trump was asked about reports of new activity detected at a research center where the North is believed to build long-range missiles.

Trump says he is "a little disappointed."

A South Korean defense spokeswoman says the U.S. and South Korea are sharing intelligence about the activity at a missile research center on the outskirts of Pyongyang and at a separate long-range rocket site.

Trump also seemed to indicate that U.S. negotiations with the North Koreans could be long term.

Without elaborating, Trump said: "We'll let you know in about a year."

2. Babis and his wife get out of car and walk up to the Trumps to shake hands

3. The leaders and first ladies walk inside the White House

4. Trump and Babis walk along the White House colonnade and stop to pose for photos, they're joined by the first ladies

5. The four walk away into the Oval

6. Wide shot of Trump and Babis in the Oval

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Well thank you very much. It's a great honor to have the prime minister of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Babis and Mrs. Babis. Thank you very much for being here. It's a great honor, great country. It's a, Czech Republic doing very, very well economically and all other respects. Very safe country, has always been a very safe country, strong military, strong people and we have a very good relationship with the Czech Republic and the United States. We do a lot of trade and a lot of just about everything you can imagine. But I just want to say Mr. Prime Minister, it's a great honor to have you. Thank you very much."

"So Mr. President, Mrs. Trump, thank you very much for your warm welcome to the White House. It's a great pleasure for me and my wife to be here. Our countries have been allies since the United States helped establish our first Republic 100 years ago."

"Mr. President, I watched your 2019 the State of the Union address and I perfectly understand your plan, how to make America great again. I have a similar plan to make the Czech Republic great again. So I look forward for a discussion about international trade and safety and threats like cyber attacks and illegal immigration and of course international terrorists. So thank you again for receiving us here."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Thank you very much. It really is an honor and it's a great country and it is a very creative country. We're working on cyber and many other things together and working very well. So I just want to thank you both for being with us and on behalf of the first lady, and you did a great job this morning, I understand at the State Department. Melania was very well received this morning by a lot of people. So thank you very much. Thank you everybody, thank you very much."

10. UPSOUND: Side shot of Trump listnening to reporter question:

"You're disappointed in Kim Jong Un about the nuclear activity in North Korea?"

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"A little disappointed. We'll see. We'll let you know in about a year.

AFTER A ROCKY START TO THE YEAR MARKED BY VULGAR COMMENTS AND A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WILL DELIVER HIS FIRST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TUESDAY NIGHT -- LOOKING TO RECLAIM MOMENTUM FOR HIS AGENDA AND CONVINCE THE COUNTRY HE'S ON THE RIGHT TRACK...

SOUNBITE: President Donald Trump, in Davos Switzerland

"America is open for business and we are competitive once again."

TRUMP DELIVERS HIS address to the nation UNDER THE CLOUD OF ROBERT MUELLER'S RUSSIA INVESTIGATION AND WITH THE LOWEST PUBLIC APPROVAL RATINGS OF ANY PRESIDENT AT THIS POINT IN OFFICE.

SO EXPECT THE PRESIDENT TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON HIS SUCCESSES... TOUTING THE RECENTLY PASSED TAX CUTS AND THE ECONOMY'S BOOMING PERFORMANCE.

UPSOUND: Donald Trump, Jan. 19, 2018

"I will say our country is doing really well, our economy is perhaps the best it's ever been..."

SOUNDBITE: Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute

"I'm expecting this will be a speech that will be focused on victory laps. Hewill exaggerate the accomplishments and not talk much about the things that have not been done."

TRUMP *WILL* ATTEMPT TO MAKE HEADWAY ON AN ISSUE AT THE HEART OF THE government funding impasse -- IMMIGRATION.

THE PRESIDENT is PROPOSING A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR 1.8-MILLION OF THE SO-CALLED DREAMER IMMIGRANTS -- AS WELL AS 25-BILLION DOLLARS IN FUNDING FOR A BORDER WALL AND OTHER SECURITY MEASURES.

SOUNDBITE: Trump, audio from Jan. 24

"We're going to treat people very well and we're going to solve a problem that has been a very tough problem to solve."

BUT DEMOCRATS ARE ALREADY SLAMMING THE PROPOSAL -- AS WELL AS TRUMP'S ABILITY TO STRIKE A DEAL.

SOUNDBITE: Sen. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader

"Negotiating with this White House is like negotiating with jello. It's next to impossible."

TRUMP WILL ALSO PREVIEW HIS LONG-AWAITED INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN...PROPOSING TO PUT SOME 1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS INTO REBUILDING THE NATION'S CRUMBLING ROADS and BRIDGES....

THE WHITE HOUSE HOPING TO FIND A RARE AREA OF POTENTIAL COMPROMISE DURING THE MIDST OF A CONTENTIOUS MIDTERM YEAR.

SOUNDBITE: Barbara Perry, UVA Director of Presidential Studies

"That's the kind of thing that could still get some bipartisan support. You know, what can what can be bad for bringing in a shovel ready project into your district or your state as you're going into a re-election?"

ON NATIONAL SECURITY, TRUMP WILL PRAISE HIS ADMINISTRATION'S PROGRESS ON FIGHTING THE ISLAMIC STATE GROUP.

HE'LL CONTINUE HIS PUSH FOR BETTER TRADE DEALS AND ISSUE RENEWED WARNINGS ABOUT A NUCLEAR ARMED NORTH KOREA.

SOUNDBITE: Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute

"I've gotta believe we will have at least one Rocket Man if not two mentions. I would expect that Trump is gonna tout his Middle East policy which is getting some acclaim and viewed rapturously by the Israelis. What I don't expect is that he will say much of anything about Russia."

WHAT will BE NOTABLE TUESDAY NIGHt IS NOT JUST WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS -- BUT WHO'S IN THE ROOM.

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS -- SOME PLANNING TO WEAR BLACK -- HAVE INVITED DREAMERS AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS AS THEIR GUESTS AT THE ADDRESS -- HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND SOLIDARITY ON THE #METOO MOVEMENT.

"That's the kind of thing that could still get some bipartisan support. You know, what can what can be bad for bringing in a shovel ready project into your district or your state as you're going into a re-election?"

"I've gotta believe we will have at least one Rocket Man if not two mentions. I would expect that Trump is gonna tout his Middle East policy which is getting some acclaim and viewed rapturously by the Israelis. What I don't expect is that he will say much of anything about Russia."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed his former personal attorney's congressional testimony as a "fake hearing."

The attorney, Michael Cohen, testified Wednesday that Trump was a liar and a conman.

Trump, speaking in Vietnam after his summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said it was Cohen who was the liar.

"He lied a lot," the president said.

But Trump said he was a "little impressed" that Cohen told Congress there was "no collusion" between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia.

Cohen told U.S. lawmakers he had no "direct evidence" that Trump or his aides had colluded with Russia to get him elected.

That's the primary question of a nearly two-year investigation being led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen has turned on Trump and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress earlier to protect Trump.

Cohen has already been sentenced to three years in prison for lying to Congress.

Hanoi - 28 February 2019

1. Wide of news conference with US President Donald Trump at lectern, reporter asking question

UPSOUND (English) Reporter's question: "Your former lawyer Michael Cohen who worked for you for ten years, his office right next to yours, right by your, Trump Tower, he called you a liar, a con man, a racist. What's your response to Michael Cohen?

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Well, it's incorrect. And you know it's very interesting because I tried to watch as much as I could. I wasn't able to watch too much because I've been a little bit busy. But I think having a fake hearing like that and having it in the middle of this very important summit is really a terrible thing. They could have made it two days later or next week and it would have been even better. They would have had more time. But having it during this very important summit is sort of incredible. And he lied a lot. But it was very interesting because he didn't lie about one thing. He said no collusion with the Russian hoax. And I said I wonder why he didn't just lie about that too like he did about everything else. I mean, he lied about so many different things and I was actually impressed that he didn't say 'Well I think there was collusion for this reason or that.' He didn't say that. He said 'no collusion' and I was a little impressed by that frankly. He could have gone all out. He only went about 95 percent instead of 100 percent. But the fact is there is no collusion and I call it the witch hunt. This should never happen to another president. This is so bad for our country. So bad. You look at this whole hoax. I called it the Russian witch hunt and I now add the word hoax. It's a very, very bad thing for our country. But, I was impressed with the fact that the most important question up there was the one on collusion and he said he saw no collusion. So we'll see what happens. But it was a pretty shameful, I think. Yes ma'am please please."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed his former personal attorney's congressional testimony as a "fake hearing."

The attorney, Michael Cohen, testified Wednesday that Trump was a liar and a conman.

Trump, speaking in Vietnam after his summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said it was Cohen who was the liar.

"He lied a lot," the president said.

But Trump said he was a "little impressed" that Cohen told Congress there was "no collusion" between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia.

Cohen told U.S. lawmakers he had no "direct evidence" that Trump or his aides had colluded with Russia to get him elected.

That's the primary question of a nearly two-year investigation being led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen has turned on Trump and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress earlier to protect Trump.

Cohen has already been sentenced to three years in prison for lying to Congress.

Hanoi - 28 February 2019

1. Wide of news conference with US President Donald Trump at lectern, reporter asking question

UPSOUND (English) Reporter's question: "Your former lawyer Michael Cohen who worked for you for ten years, his office right next to yours, right by your, Trump Tower, he called you a liar, a con man, a racist. What's your response to Michael Cohen?

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Well, it's incorrect. And you know it's very interesting because I tried to watch as much as I could. I wasn't able to watch too much because I've been a little bit busy. But I think having a fake hearing like that and having it in the middle of this very important summit is really a terrible thing. They could have made it two days later or next week and it would have been even better. They would have had more time. But having it during this very important summit is sort of incredible. And he lied a lot. But it was very interesting because he didn't lie about one thing. He said no collusion with the Russian hoax. And I said I wonder why he didn't just lie about that too like he did about everything else. I mean, he lied about so many different things and I was actually impressed that he didn't say 'Well I think there was collusion for this reason or that.' He didn't say that. He said 'no collusion' and I was a little impressed by that frankly. He could have gone all out. He only went about 95 percent instead of 100 percent. But the fact is there is no collusion and I call it the witch hunt. This should never happen to another president. This is so bad for our country. So bad. You look at this whole hoax. I called it the Russian witch hunt and I now add the word hoax. It's a very, very bad thing for our country. But, I was impressed with the fact that the most important question up there was the one on collusion and he said he saw no collusion. So we'll see what happens. But it was a pretty shameful, I think. Yes ma'am please please."

AFTER A ROCKY START TO THE YEAR MARKED BY VULGAR COMMENTS AND A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WILL DELIVER HIS FIRST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TUESDAY NIGHT -- LOOKING TO RECLAIM MOMENTUM FOR HIS AGENDA AND CONVINCE THE COUNTRY HE'S ON THE RIGHT TRACK...

SOUNBITE: President Donald Trump, in Davos Switzerland

"America is open for business and we are competitive once again."

TRUMP DELIVERS HIS address to the nation UNDER THE CLOUD OF ROBERT MUELLER'S RUSSIA INVESTIGATION AND WITH THE LOWEST PUBLIC APPROVAL RATINGS OF ANY PRESIDENT AT THIS POINT IN OFFICE.

SO EXPECT THE PRESIDENT TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON HIS SUCCESSES... TOUTING THE RECENTLY PASSED TAX CUTS AND THE ECONOMY'S BOOMING PERFORMANCE.

UPSOUND: Donald Trump, Jan. 19, 2018

"I will say our country is doing really well, our economy is perhaps the best it's ever been..."

SOUNDBITE: Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute

"I'm expecting this will be a speech that will be focused on victory laps. Hewill exaggerate the accomplishments and not talk much about the things that have not been done."

TRUMP *WILL* ATTEMPT TO MAKE HEADWAY ON AN ISSUE AT THE HEART OF THE government funding impasse -- IMMIGRATION.

THE PRESIDENT is PROPOSING A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR 1.8-MILLION OF THE SO-CALLED DREAMER IMMIGRANTS -- AS WELL AS 25-BILLION DOLLARS IN FUNDING FOR A BORDER WALL AND OTHER SECURITY MEASURES.

SOUNDBITE: Trump, audio from Jan. 24

"We're going to treat people very well and we're going to solve a problem that has been a very tough problem to solve."

BUT DEMOCRATS ARE ALREADY SLAMMING THE PROPOSAL -- AS WELL AS TRUMP'S ABILITY TO STRIKE A DEAL.

SOUNDBITE: Sen. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader

"Negotiating with this White House is like negotiating with jello. It's next to impossible."

TRUMP WILL ALSO PREVIEW HIS LONG-AWAITED INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN...PROPOSING TO PUT SOME 1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS INTO REBUILDING THE NATION'S CRUMBLING ROADS and BRIDGES....

THE WHITE HOUSE HOPING TO FIND A RARE AREA OF POTENTIAL COMPROMISE DURING THE MIDST OF A CONTENTIOUS MIDTERM YEAR.

SOUNDBITE: Barbara Perry, UVA Director of Presidential Studies

"That's the kind of thing that could still get some bipartisan support. You know, what can what can be bad for bringing in a shovel ready project into your district or your state as you're going into a re-election?"

ON NATIONAL SECURITY, TRUMP WILL PRAISE HIS ADMINISTRATION'S PROGRESS ON FIGHTING THE ISLAMIC STATE GROUP.

HE'LL CONTINUE HIS PUSH FOR BETTER TRADE DEALS AND ISSUE RENEWED WARNINGS ABOUT A NUCLEAR ARMED NORTH KOREA.

SOUNDBITE: Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute

"I've gotta believe we will have at least one Rocket Man if not two mentions. I would expect that Trump is gonna tout his Middle East policy which is getting some acclaim and viewed rapturously by the Israelis. What I don't expect is that he will say much of anything about Russia."

WHAT will BE NOTABLE TUESDAY NIGHt IS NOT JUST WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS -- BUT WHO'S IN THE ROOM.

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS -- SOME PLANNING TO WEAR BLACK -- HAVE INVITED DREAMERS AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS AS THEIR GUESTS AT THE ADDRESS -- HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND SOLIDARITY ON THE #METOO MOVEMENT.

"That's the kind of thing that could still get some bipartisan support. You know, what can what can be bad for bringing in a shovel ready project into your district or your state as you're going into a re-election?"

"I've gotta believe we will have at least one Rocket Man if not two mentions. I would expect that Trump is gonna tout his Middle East policy which is getting some acclaim and viewed rapturously by the Israelis. What I don't expect is that he will say much of anything about Russia."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed his former personal attorney's congressional testimony as a "fake hearing."

The attorney, Michael Cohen, testified Wednesday that Trump was a liar and a conman.

Trump, speaking in Vietnam after his summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said it was Cohen who was the liar.

"He lied a lot," the president said.

But Trump said he was a "little impressed" that Cohen told Congress there was "no collusion" between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia.

Cohen told U.S. lawmakers he had no "direct evidence" that Trump or his aides had colluded with Russia to get him elected.

That's the primary question of a nearly two-year investigation being led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen has turned on Trump and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress earlier to protect Trump.

Cohen has already been sentenced to three years in prison for lying to Congress.

Hanoi - 28 February 2019

1. Wide of news conference with US President Donald Trump at lectern, reporter asking question

UPSOUND (English) Reporter's question: "Your former lawyer Michael Cohen who worked for you for ten years, his office right next to yours, right by your, Trump Tower, he called you a liar, a con man, a racist. What's your response to Michael Cohen?

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Well, it's incorrect. And you know it's very interesting because I tried to watch as much as I could. I wasn't able to watch too much because I've been a little bit busy. But I think having a fake hearing like that and having it in the middle of this very important summit is really a terrible thing. They could have made it two days later or next week and it would have been even better. They would have had more time. But having it during this very important summit is sort of incredible. And he lied a lot. But it was very interesting because he didn't lie about one thing. He said no collusion with the Russian hoax. And I said I wonder why he didn't just lie about that too like he did about everything else. I mean, he lied about so many different things and I was actually impressed that he didn't say 'Well I think there was collusion for this reason or that.' He didn't say that. He said 'no collusion' and I was a little impressed by that frankly. He could have gone all out. He only went about 95 percent instead of 100 percent. But the fact is there is no collusion and I call it the witch hunt. This should never happen to another president. This is so bad for our country. So bad. You look at this whole hoax. I called it the Russian witch hunt and I now add the word hoax. It's a very, very bad thing for our country. But, I was impressed with the fact that the most important question up there was the one on collusion and he said he saw no collusion. So we'll see what happens. But it was a pretty shameful, I think. Yes ma'am please please."

President Donald Trump says the Justice Department watchdog report on the Clinton email probe shows the FBI was biased against him, and he called former FBI Director James Comey "the worst FBI director in history, by far, there's nobody close."

Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House, saying the Justice Department's IG report that was released Thursday "totally" exonerated him, adding, "there was no collusion, there was no obstruction, and if you read the report, you'll see that."

The inspector general report, while damaging to the FBI and to Comey personally, does not support Trump's allegation that political preferences influenced the conduct of the email investigation into his Democratic presidential rival.

Trump also commented on North Korea, saying when he began his term, people thought we might be going to war with North Korea. He said Kim Jong Un "gave us a lot."

Washington, DC - 15 June 2018

+++TRANSCRIPTION TO FOLLOW+++

++BLACK IN BETWEEN SOTS++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that James Comey was unfair to the people of this country. I think what he did was a disgrace. I think he goes down as the worst FBI director in history by far. There's nobody close. And I think I did the country a tremendous favor by firing him."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"If you take a look, when he totally exonerated her, because I call it Comey 3. You had 1, 2, and then you Comey 3. He totally exonerated her. And if anything you're saying is correct. What she did is they tried to pretend it didn't happen. I would've gone out there and I would have had the greatest news conference in history. They tried to pretend the exoneration didn't happen. Now the exoneration wasn't correct because there's no way they could check that number of e-mails in just a few days. But if you remember just before the election, he went out and he exonerated. And they didn't even talk about it. That was the greatest political mistake."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that the report yesterday, maybe more importantly than anything, it totally exonerates me. There was no collusion, there was no obstruction. And if you read the report you'll see. Wait, wait, wait, wait. What you'll really see is you'll see bias against me and millions and tens of millions of my followers. That is really a disgrace."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I call it 13 angry Democrats. You have a tremendous animosity. Now here's the good news. I did nothing wrong. There was no collusion there was no obstruction. The IG report yesterday went a long way to show that, and I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"Because I don't want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family. I want to have a good relationship with North Korea. I want to have a good relationship with many other countries and what I've done, if you remember if you're fair, which most of you aren't, when I came in people thought we were probably going to war with North Korea. If we did, quiet, quiet, quiet. If we did, millions of people would have been killed. I don't mean like a hundred, people were saying like a hundred, Seoul has 28 million people 30 miles off the border. You would have had 30, 40, 50 million people killed. Who knows what would have happened? I came in. That was what I inherited. I should have never inherited, that should have been solved long before I got there. I did a great job this weekend. The fake news said, 'Oh, you met,' the only thing. They said I sort of gave up, one broadcaster said, 'he gave up so much'. You know what I gave up? I met. I met. We had great chemistry. He gave us a lot. You haven't had a missile test in seven months. You haven't had a firing and you haven't had a nuclear test in eight and a half months. You haven't had missiles flying over Japan. He gave us the remains of our great heroes. I have had so many people begging me - parents and fathers, mothers, daughters, sons wherever I went. Could you please get the remains of my boy back? They're giving them back. Nobody thought that was possible. Wait, wait, wait. They're doing so much for us. And now we're well on our way to get denuclearization and the agreement says there will be total denuclearization. Nobody wants to report that. So the only thing I did was I met. I got along with them great. We have a great chemistry together. That's a good thing, not a bad thing."

President Donald Trump says the Justice Department watchdog report on the Clinton email probe shows the FBI was biased against him, and he called former FBI Director James Comey "the worst FBI director in history, by far, there's nobody close."

Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House, saying the Justice Department's IG report that was released Thursday "totally" exonerated him, adding, "there was no collusion, there was no obstruction, and if you read the report, you'll see that."

The inspector general report, while damaging to the FBI and to Comey personally, does not support Trump's allegation that political preferences influenced the conduct of the email investigation into his Democratic presidential rival.

Trump also commented on North Korea, saying when he began his term, people thought we might be going to war with North Korea. He said Kim Jong Un "gave us a lot."

Washington, DC - 15 June 2018

+++TRANSCRIPTION TO FOLLOW+++

++BLACK IN BETWEEN SOTS++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that James Comey was unfair to the people of this country. I think what he did was a disgrace. I think he goes down as the worst FBI director in history by far. There's nobody close. And I think I did the country a tremendous favor by firing him."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"If you take a look, when he totally exonerated her, because I call it Comey 3. You had 1, 2, and then you Comey 3. He totally exonerated her. And if anything you're saying is correct. What she did is they tried to pretend it didn't happen. I would've gone out there and I would have had the greatest news conference in history. They tried to pretend the exoneration didn't happen. Now the exoneration wasn't correct because there's no way they could check that number of e-mails in just a few days. But if you remember just before the election, he went out and he exonerated. And they didn't even talk about it. That was the greatest political mistake."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that the report yesterday, maybe more importantly than anything, it totally exonerates me. There was no collusion, there was no obstruction. And if you read the report you'll see. Wait, wait, wait, wait. What you'll really see is you'll see bias against me and millions and tens of millions of my followers. That is really a disgrace."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I call it 13 angry Democrats. You have a tremendous animosity. Now here's the good news. I did nothing wrong. There was no collusion there was no obstruction. The IG report yesterday went a long way to show that, and I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"Because I don't want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family. I want to have a good relationship with North Korea. I want to have a good relationship with many other countries and what I've done, if you remember if you're fair, which most of you aren't, when I came in people thought we were probably going to war with North Korea. If we did, quiet, quiet, quiet. If we did, millions of people would have been killed. I don't mean like a hundred, people were saying like a hundred, Seoul has 28 million people 30 miles off the border. You would have had 30, 40, 50 million people killed. Who knows what would have happened? I came in. That was what I inherited. I should have never inherited, that should have been solved long before I got there. I did a great job this weekend. The fake news said, 'Oh, you met,' the only thing. They said I sort of gave up, one broadcaster said, 'he gave up so much'. You know what I gave up? I met. I met. We had great chemistry. He gave us a lot. You haven't had a missile test in seven months. You haven't had a firing and you haven't had a nuclear test in eight and a half months. You haven't had missiles flying over Japan. He gave us the remains of our great heroes. I have had so many people begging me - parents and fathers, mothers, daughters, sons wherever I went. Could you please get the remains of my boy back? They're giving them back. Nobody thought that was possible. Wait, wait, wait. They're doing so much for us. And now we're well on our way to get denuclearization and the agreement says there will be total denuclearization. Nobody wants to report that. So the only thing I did was I met. I got along with them great. We have a great chemistry together. That's a good thing, not a bad thing."

President Donald Trump says the Justice Department watchdog report on the Clinton email probe shows the FBI was biased against him, and he called former FBI Director James Comey "the worst FBI director in history, by far, there's nobody close."

Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House, saying the Justice Department's IG report that was released Thursday "totally" exonerated him, adding, "there was no collusion, there was no obstruction, and if you read the report, you'll see that."

The inspector general report, while damaging to the FBI and to Comey personally, does not support Trump's allegation that political preferences influenced the conduct of the email investigation into his Democratic presidential rival.

Trump also commented on North Korea, saying when he began his term, people thought we might be going to war with North Korea. He said Kim Jong Un "gave us a lot."

Washington, DC - 15 June 2018

++WHITE FLASHES IN BETWEEN SOTS++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that James Comey was unfair to the people of this country. I think what he did was a disgrace. I think he goes down as the worst FBI director in history by far. There's nobody close. And I think I did the country a tremendous favor by firing him."

+++WHITE FLASH+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"I think that the report yesterday, maybe more importantly than anything, it totally exonerates me. There was no collusion, there was no obstruction. And if you read the report you'll see. Wait, wait, wait, wait. What you'll really see is you'll see bias against me and millions and tens of millions of my followers. That is really a disgrace.

+++WHITE FLASH+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

" I call it 13 angry Democrats. You have a tremendous animosity. Now here's the good news. I did nothing wrong. There was no collusion there was no obstruction. The IG report yesterday went a long way to show that, and I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

+++WHITE FLASH+++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President

"Because I don't want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family. I want to have a good relationship with North Korea. I want to have a good relationship with many other countries and what I've done, if you remember if you're fair, which most of you aren't, when I came in people thought we were probably going to war with North Korea if we did, quiet, quiet, quiet. If we did, millions of people would have been killed. I don't mean like a hundred, people were saying like a hundred, Seoul has 28 million people 30 miles off the border. You would have had 30, 40, 50 million people killed. Who knows what would have happened. I came in. That was what I inherited. I should have never inherited, that should have been solved long before I got there. I did a great job this weekend. The fake news said, 'Oh, you met, the only thing I gave up, one broadcaster said, he gave up so much you know what I gave up. I met. I met. We had great chemistry. He gave us a lot. You haven't had a missile test in seven months. You haven't had a fire and you haven't had a nuclear test in eight and a half months. You haven't had missiles flying over Japan. He gave us the remains of our great heroes. I have had so many people begging me parents and fathers mothers daughters sons wherever I went. Could you please get the remains of my boy back, they're giving them back. Nobody thought that was possible. Wait, wait, wait. They're doing so much for us. And now we're well on our way to get denuclearization and the agreement says there will be total denuclearization. Nobody wants to report that. So the only thing I did was I met. I got along with them great. We have a great chemistry together. That's a good thing, not a bad thing."